Appliance having shelving

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an appliance having shelving in which the outer door is connected to the inner shelving. The appliance may be smaller than a standard size appliance.

STATEMENT OF CROSS RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing dateof, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application, serial No.60/309,384, filed Aug. 01, 2001, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein to the extent permissible by law.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to an appliance having shelving. Theinvention may include appliances in which the shelving is moveable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Efforts to keep food objects either warm or cold have been aroundsince the beginning of mankind. Our forefathers decided to either leavefood in an enclosed/shady space or out in the open heat of the sun, somepeople do the same today. It is noticeable that as domesticationoccurred, kitchen appliances were built based on proximity to a singleexternal source of temperature change. Fire supplied ovens with heat tocook and ice supplied refrigerated boxes with cooling capabilities.Efforts were made to leave food over the external source of temperatureexchange as much as possible. Fire and ice supplying these food storageappliance areas were consistently separated at the bases to maximizetheir individual properties. Size, shapes, and colors of appliances havechanged over time as energy infrastructure (electricity) availabilityand consumer expectations/family sizes/economic capabilities havechanged. Less than 100 years later, “reach in” appliances with hingeddoors have became the norm. Energy infrastructure limits, due todwindling natural resources, have led the United States government toissue energy standards that United States appliance manufacturers mustmeet in the years ahead. Regrettably, the energy standards do notlegislate/nor address the energy needs or capabilities of the end users.A Virginia Tech Study, which was presented at the 2001 US NationalAppliance Convention, demonstrated weaknesses within the applianceindustry to recognize different sized people with different needs incurrent household appliance products.

[0004] Per Standard and Poor's industry survey information, the currenttarget market for US appliance manufacturers is from 35 to 64 years old.Unfortunately, that current target market misses the population that isunder 35 and over 64. By targeting this market, appliances do notaddress the single homeowner, who is increasingly in the age groupsoutside of the target market. According to the 2000 United States CensusAmerican Housing Survey, 25% of homeowners are single and live alone.According to the same Census, marriage is being increasingly postponed,contributing to a growing number of single homeowners under the age of35. Informal market surveys have found that a majority of these singlehomeowners, whether under 35 or over 64, frequently dine outside of thehome for most meals. Consequently, their freezer/refrigerator/oven needsare minimal. For example, looking into a bachelor's refrigerator who isunder the age of 35, rarely is the space/energy optimized. Instead,peering into a “full” appliance, what will typically be seen is somecondiments and liquid refreshments. It would be desirable if anotherappliance could be fit into that space such that two separate appliances(either the same or different appliances) fit into the standard U.S.space of one. Due to particular constructions of standard cabinetry, asmall size refrigerator would yield space at the side. The space savingswould be significant. For example, if the oven could be moved beside arefrigerator, that would free up space elsewhere. This space could beused for other shelving, storage, or even another appliance.

[0005] A recent United Nations Population Division report identifiedthat globally the number of older persons (60 years or older) will morethan triple by 2050. Because the current target market does not addressthe growing global aging community, it does not address those mostlikely to be impaired in movements of daily living, like reaching intothe refrigerator for something cold to drink. A recent American withDisabilities report stated that in the population 15 years old andolder, 2.2 million people used a wheelchair. Another 6.4 million usedsome sort of ambulatory aid such as a cane, crutches, or walker. It alsoidentified that 18 million individuals have difficulty grasping a smallobject. Whether these people are single homeowners or living withsomeone else, these statistics point to a need to address universaldesign in both lifting and moving on a daily basis within private homes.Kitchen cabinetry has addressed this problem in a variety of ways withwider doors, higher kick pads, wrist pushing faucet handles. As noted bythe Virginia Tech study, appliances need to do the same. Disabledpeople, such as those in wheelchairs, require appliances that will notinterfere with their mobility. For example, in a cramped apartmentkitchen, the standard refrigerator precludes reaching access to therefrigerator or freezer (in the standard top-freezer-bottom-refrigeratormodel). Instead it requires the user to negotiate around the swinginghinged doors, and precludes easy viewing into the refrigerator.Accordingly, a refrigerator that permits minimal intrusion into thevaluable space and that is sized to accommodate the disabled iswell-received.

[0006] The target market also misses those who need appliances forcampers, recreational vehicles, boat, ship, dorm, “state-subsidized,”military, assisted living, multiunit and other limited space users, forexample. The increasingly available partially prepared items to “speedcook” have also impacted appliance storage and use. With the increasinguse of the microwave, the axis of the “kitchen triangle” has shifted toinclude that appliance also. Decreasing the space between the swingingdoor shelves and the body of the appliance storage would assist inmaximizing spatial use of smaller kitchen appliances.

[0007] As stated previously, consumer expectations, family sizes,economic changes and energy infrastructure are building to changes inthe available appliances again. As consumers change age in mass the U.S. current target market will probably shift accordingly. A paradigmshift in appliances with regards to “private” universal design, ease ofaccess and ease of viewing appliance contents will become moredesirable. As increasing numbers of single homeowners become applianceconsumers, space saving characteristics will become more desirable. Aseconomic changes separate the “haves” and the “have-nots,”individualized/customized appliances will become increasingly desirableto replace “white goods.” As the energy infrastructure increasing usesalternative ways to power machines, the classic “melting” of the fire(oven)/ice (refrigerator/freezer) appliance separation will become moredesirable. As energy conservation measures increase, appropriately sizedappliances for the population variances will become more desirable,ending underutilized energy outputs within those marketing andmanufacturing arenas. None of these desirable characteristics are UnitedStates specific. Accordingly it would be desirable if an appliance hadspace saving characteristics, easy viewing of the contents, desirableshape to fit existing or new construction, was easier to access or waseasier to fabricate, whether the end consumer was in the United Statesor elsewhere in the world.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The foregoing problems are solved and a technical advance isachieved by the present invention. Disclosed is an appliance havingshelving in which the outer door is disconnectably connected to theinner shelving. The appliance may be smaller than a standard sizeappliance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0010]FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a cross section of an embodiment of the invention.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a rear view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0013]FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0014]FIG. 6 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0015]FIGS. 7 and 8 are aspects of an embodiment of the invention.

[0016]FIG. 9 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0017]FIG. 10 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0018]FIG. 11 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0019]FIG. 12 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 13 is an embodiment of the invention.

[0021]FIG. 14 shows other embodiments of the invention.

[0022]FIGS. 15A and 15B show aspects of an embodiment of the invention.

[0023]FIGS. 16A to 16C show aspects of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024]FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the invention. Shown is anappliance 10, which includes but is not limited to any appliance thathas a front door and internal shelving. These appliances may includerefrigerators, freezers, ovens, or the like. Appliance 10 may include adoor assembly 12, which has facade features 14, such as panels, inlays,sketches, etc. protruding to the viewer. Such facade features may becoordinated with the overall décor. The door assembly 12 may alsoinclude a handle 16, but it should be appreciated that any mechanismknown in the art to open/close doors is contemplated. The door assembly12 includes a door 17 that also serves as a first face 18. The doorassembly 12 also includes a rear portion 20. The rear portion 20 mayterminate at a door assembly rear wall or face 21. The door assembly 12also includes a first side 22 and a second side 24. Detachably attachedto the door 17 is at least one shelf 26. Shelf 26 extends from the door17 to the rear portion 20 and may terminate coincident with the rearwall 21. The door assembly 12 further includes a first surface 28, suchas a top surface, and also includes a second surface 30, such as abottom surface. The door assembly also includes a shelf frame 29, whichmay comprise the shelves 26 in conjunction with various verticalsupports 33. The door would not be hinged with the appliance main body.As used herein, the term “appliance” means a unit that comprises a doorassembly with a shelf assembly that inserts substantially into theinternal portion of the appliance cabinet.

[0025]FIG. 3 demonstrates a modified cross sectional view of the doorassembly 12. A door back surface 31 of door 17 may include a gasket 32to maintain a proper seal around the back of the door 17. The gasket 32may also include a magnet to magnetically seal the door 17. Gaskets arewell known in the art. Also shown in phantom are various objects, whichin the case of a refrigerator or freezer, these items could befoodstuffs. Although shown to include two shelves 26, it is wellunderstood that there may be as one or more shelves. The shelves may beconfigured to extend substantially the distance from the door (when inthe closed position) to near the back of the appliance. Accordingly, asthe appliance has an ascertainable depth measurement, the shelf may beas long as this depth.

[0026]FIG. 4 demonstrates one exemplary mode of connecting shelves 26 tothe door 17. One embodiment includes a shelf assembly that may be oneshelf 26 directly connected to the door 17, a shelf ladder 36, avertical attachment component, or any other feature disclosed hereinassociated with the shelf. One method of connecting the shelf 26 wouldinclude apertures, such as holes 34, drilled into the back surface 31.Thus shelves 26 can be inserted into the holes 34. In anotherembodiment, for example, shelf ladders 36 may be used. Shelf ladders 36may be elongated strips that include various apertures into which pinsor the shelf 26 may be inserted. Shelf ladders are more fully explainedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,936 (to Dasher et al.), the disclosure of whichis expressly incorporated herein. A shelf ladder 36 in the form of anelongated member is mounted vertically to the door 17 by a number ofmounting screws (not shown). The shelf ladder 36 includes a number ofvertical slots 37. Thus, the mounting screws (not shown) mount the shelfladder 36 to the back of the door 17 and are so positioned such that theshelf vertical slots 37 are exposed. In this regard, the shelf 26 may beinserted to the slots 37. Due to the number of slots, the verticaldistance between shelves 26 is adjustable simply by moving the locationof the slot 37-shelf 26 junction among the various slots 37.

[0027] In another embodiment not shown, the shelf 26 height may beadjusted via a crank mechanism. In this regard, the door assembly 12 maybe adapted to provide for a crank in which cranking the crank a certaindirection will either increase or decrease the shelf height. Cranks ofthis type are well known in the art. The shelf height adjustmentmechanism may, but need not, be considered part of the shelf assembly.

[0028]FIG. 5 demonstrates another aspect of the invention. Shown is thedoor assembly 12 in conjunction with a main body appliance 40. Asmentioned, the main body appliance 40 could be a refrigerator, freezer,oven, or the like. Although shown with the appliance 40 on a floor 38,due to its size, it may not sit on the floor and may be countertop orused in conjunction with stackable appliances. Main appliance 40 alsomay include at least one wheel 42 to provide for easy moveability.Naturally, if the intent is to not move it, no wheel or spacer is neededand the main appliance 40 may be on the floor 38. But wheel 42 alsoprovides space between the floor 38 and the appliance 40 to permitcleaning, removal of various drip pans, or permit air circulation underthe appliance. The height is readily adjustable by utilizing knownheight adjusters such as various sized wheels, casters, threaded heightadjusters, stands, legs, etc. Furthermore, the door assembly 12 mayinclude a door wheel 44, which provides for movement and support to theassembly. Although not shown there may be a plurality of wheels oneither the main appliance 40 or the door assembly 12.

[0029] Furthermore, the lowest shelf 26 may be provided with a shelffloor wheel 46 (shown in phantom). The wheel assembly may be adaptedfrom U.S. Pat. No. 3,058,320 (to Foster), the disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated by reference. Accordingly, the wheel 46 may ridein grooved tracks in the main appliance 40. In another embodiment, shelfwheel 46 may also be adapted to collapse such that when the doorassembly 12 is pushed into the main appliance 40, wheel 46 collapses andfolds up into the lowest shelf and out of the way. The collapsible wheelmay further include locks to prevent it from collapsing prematurely. Theshelf wheel may, but need not, be considered part of the shelf assembly.

[0030] In this embodiment, foodstuff 48 may be placed on a shelf 26,with the height adjustable to accommodate the foodstuff 48 height. Inphantom is shown a tall bottle.

[0031]FIG. 6 demonstrates yet another embodiment of the invention. Inthis embodiment, shown are the shelf wheels 46 that do not extend to thefloor 38. In this embodiment, the shelf wheel 46 rides along a bottom 50of the main appliance body 40. Thus, the wheel(s) 46 provide spacingbetween the lowest shelf 26 and the bottom 50. The wheels may also runin tracks, grooves, or trackless/grooveless areas. To provide supportthen for the door assembly 12 as it is pulled out, the assembly may beadapted to include a lock or catch 52 to prevent the door assembly fromcoming out completely. Thus, a last shelf wheel 51 may stay in the mainappliance body 40 and provide support to the assembly. The lock 52 mayprotrude sideways and catch onto the side of the main appliance body 40so as to not interfere with the wheel 46 or the wheel runners. It mayalso have a vertical orientation adapted to catch the appliance body 40but not interfere with the door assembly movement. The side orientationor vertical orientation is shown as appliance catch 54. Of course, thebottom shelf 26 may also be fitted with the collapsible wheel 46assembly described such that both the locking catch 52 assembly and thecollapsible wheel assembly 46 are used in conjunction. The main body 40may also include a runner assembly comprising at least one of a track,groove, guide, rod, channel, slide, wheel, roller, and wire. Forexample, the runner assembly may include the wheel in the mannerdescribed herein.

[0032]FIG. 7 demonstrates another embodiment of the shelf frame 29 mayattach to the door 17. In this embodiment, the shelf 26 has a terminalportion 70, which may further include a terminal head 72. As shown, theterminal head 72 may be shaped as a dovetail or ball, understanding, ofcourse, that the terminal head 72 may be adapted in any way to connectto the door 17. The door 17 may have a cut-out that accommodates theshape of the terminal head 72, and may further be adapted to lock theterminal head 72 in place such that the shelf's movement is retarded oreliminated when the door 17 is pulled open. Thus, the terminal head 72need not be permanently affixed to the door 17. In this regard, as décorchanges, the door 17 may be changed easily without changing theappliance 10 as a whole.

[0033]FIG. 8 demonstrates some exemplary embodiments of the attachmentsof the shelf frame 29 to the door 17. The shelf frame 29 may attachdirectly to the door 17 by a connector 74. The connector 74 may include,but is not limited to, pins, screws, nails, dowels, plugs, rods, etc.The shelf frame 29 may attach to the door via an intermediate spacer 76.This may include the shelf ladder described above, or other spacers 76.The shelf 26 may be connected to the spacer 76 via a spacer connector78, with the spacer 76 then being connected to the door 17 via a doorconnector 80. Thus, while the embodiments of FIG. 4 show mechanisms ofattachment of the shelf 26 to the door 17, those embodiments may beadapted to attach the shelf frame 29 to the door 17. The attachmentsmay, but need not, be considered part of the shelf assembly.

[0034]FIG. 9 demonstrates a model where the appliance body 40 is arefrigerator. The liquid, or refrigerant, used in a refrigeratorevaporates at an extremely low temperature, so it can create freezingtemperatures inside the refrigerator. There are several basic parts toany refrigerator: a compressor 90, an expansion valve 92, and heatexchange pipe(s) 94. As seen, the heat exchange pipe(s) 94 can be coilsor serpentine, and are both inside the appliance 40 and outside too.Many industrial installations use pure ammonia as the refrigerant. Pureammonia evaporates at −27 degrees Fahrenheit (−32 degrees Celsius). Thechoice of refrigerant is adaptable to the circumstances. The basicmechanism of a refrigerator works as such. The compressor 90 compressesthe refrigerant gas. This raises the refrigerant's pressure andtemperature, so the heat-exchanging coils 94 outside the refrigeratorallow the refrigerant to dissipate the heat of pressurization. As itcools, the refrigerant condenses into liquid form and flows through theexpansion valve 92. When it flows through the expansion valve 92, theliquid refrigerant is allowed to move from a high-pressure zone to alow-pressure zone, so it expands and evaporates. In evaporating, itabsorbs heat, making it cold. The coils inside the refrigerator allowthe refrigerant to absorb heat, making the inside of the refrigeratorcold. The cycle then repeats.

[0035] For the refrigeration cycle, in the following example, one mayassume that the refrigerant being used is pure ammonia, which boils at−27 degrees F. For the refrigeration cycle, the compressor 90 compressesthe ammonia gas. The compressed gas heats up as it is pressurized. Thecoils 94 on the back of the refrigerator let the hot ammonia gasdissipate its heat. The ammonia gas condenses into ammonia liquid athigh pressure. The high-pressure ammonia liquid flows through theexpansion valve 92. The liquid ammonia immediately boils and vaporizeswith its temperature dropping to −27 F. This makes the inside of therefrigerator cold. The cold ammonia gas is sucked up by the compressor90, and the cycle repeats.

[0036] Although not shown, the refrigerator may also include frost-freefeatures that are well known in the art. This frost forms when watervapor hits the cold coils. The water vapor turns to liquid water. Afrost-free freezer has three basic parts. There is a timer, a heatingcoil and a temperature sensor. Every 6 hours or so the timer turns onthe heating coil. The heating coil is wrapped among the freezer coils.The heater melts the ice off the coils. When all of the ice is gone, thetemperature sensor will sense the temperature rising above 32 degrees F(0 degrees C) and turns off the heater. As with other refrigerators, thecooling system may also include a drain pan, temperature gauges, fans,etc.

[0037]FIG. 10 demonstrates another embodiment in which lighting isprovided. It is understood that the lighting may be provided inside theappliance by the well known methods. For example, the light may turn onwhen the door is opened as in the typical refrigerator mechanism. Butbecause the shelves 26 are partially outside the appliance when the dooris pulled open, the shelves 26 may be adapted to include above-the-shelflighting 100, below-the-shelf lighting 102 (in phantom), orbehind-the-door lighting 104 (in phantom). The lighting chosen for theshelves may include a plurality of low-watt, small-diameter bulbs thatrun along a shelf track 106. The lighting, though, may also includesingle bulbs that are brighter. The lighting wiring may be connected tothe appliance wiring with routine skill. Shelf lighting may, but neednot, be considered part of a shelf assembly.

[0038] Another embodiment of the invention includes a vacuum mechanism.Since cold preservation of food under vacuum is better, the refrigeratormay also include a vacuum mechanism such that the interior of therefrigerator is under vacuum when the door 17 is closed and is releasedwhen the door is opened. The use of the gasket 32 facilitates vacuumsealing but of course is not required. Vacuum technology as applied torefrigerators is known to the artisan and one method is described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,157,940 (to Bertu) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,240 (toDetrick), the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated byreference herein. The vacuum assembly includes a vacuum pump to draw thevacuum and a vacuum conduit to connect the vacuum pump to the interiorof the appliance. The vacuum assembly may be connected to the door viasensors to gauge whether the door is open or shut. Pressure sensors inthe door or the gasket may be used for this. The vacuum assembly mayalso be connected to the lighting assembly also since the lightsgenerally turn on when the door is being opened—thus turning off thevacuum—and turns the lighting assembly off once the door is closed—thusturning on the vacuum.

[0039] Another embodiment of the invention is that the appliance can beadapted to fit the standard refrigerator cut-outs in houses, but alsocan be made smaller. For example, the refrigerator may be madehalf-sized in terms of its width, or its height, or both. Thus in tightspots, such as apartments, dormitory rooms, or the like, significantspace saving is achieved. The standard refrigerator, based on standardkitchen design or cabinetry, has the following dimensions: width 30-36inches, depth 24-30 inches, and height 64-70 inches. Accordingly, areduced size refrigerator may have the following dimensions: width 15-18inches, depth 24-30 inches, and height 64-70 inches. Of course eachdimension can be modified larger or smaller to fit the particularcircumstances. For example, to reduce height, the 64-70 inches could bereduced also to 32-35 inches. Depending on the circumstances there maybe generally accepted or standard sized areas in kitchens designed toaccommodate standard sized appliances. It is contemplated that theinvention may comprise a size adapted to fit into these sizes withsubstantial free or unused space remaining.

[0040]FIG. 11 demonstrates another embodiment of the invention in whichthe appliance is a combination refrigerator and freezer. In thisembodiment, combination appliance 110 includes a freezer 112 and arefrigerator 114. The top of the freezer—as with the top of anyappliance—may also include a recess 116 to put things on, such asplants, food, or the like. The refrigerator 114 shows the shelves 26attached to door 17 to comprise the door assembly 12. While theappliance 110 is shown as a uniform construction, it is understood thatit need not be so. Although not shown, the freezer 112 may also includethe same door assembly that the refrigerator shows in that the freezerincludes a freezer door 118 connected to one or more freezer shelves.Naturally, the freezer 112 may include all the features described asapplying to the refrigerator.

[0041] It should be understood that although shown in stackable form, aswith any embodiment described, the refrigerator-freezer combination maybe side-to-side also, or stand independently of each other.

[0042]FIG. 12 demonstrates yet another embodiment of the invention inwhich the appliance is an oven 120, including any type of oven such asconvection, radiation, or microwave. In this embodiment, the generalfeatures described above equally apply here as appropriate. The oven 120also includes an oven door assembly 122, which further includes an ovendoor 124, an oven gasket 126, and at least one oven shelf 128. The ovenshelf 128 may be attached to the door 124 in the same manner describedhere. A main oven body 130 may further include conventional thermostats132, such as those made by Eaton or Harper Wyman thermostats;conventional U-shaped bake elements 134 (either partially opened orfully opened, tapered, curved, or hinged); conventional broil elements136 (multilooped, such as 3 or 5 loops); flame switches or oven ignitors(not shown); safety valves (not shown); oven light 138; a terminal blockto connect external wiring to oven wiring (not shown); an oven vent (notshown); and self cleaning oven assembly (not shown). Accordingly, theoven 120 may be narrower in width with the length of the shelves 128extending to the length of the oven 120. The standard oven, based on thestandard kitchen design or cabinetry, has certain dimensions in terms ofits width, depth, and height. For example, the height may be around30-40 inches to make it flush with countertops. Accordingly, a reducedsize oven may have smaller dimensions in terms of its width, depth, andheight.

[0043] The oven may also include a range at the top. The number of rangeburners may be adapted to fit the size of the oven body. For example, ifthe oven is narrow, such as half-size, then the range top may include 2burners.

[0044]FIG. 13 demonstrates another embodiment of the invention in whicha side-by-side configuration is shown having an appliance 140, arefrigerator 142, and oven 144. An insulated wall 146 separates them. Inovens, a fibrous insulating material may surround the oven heat chamber.In refrigerating appliances, high-resistance foams are typically usedfor thermal insulation. The high-resistance foams are introduced in theform of liquid-starting components between the walls between appliances.Vacuum insulating panels can also be used instead of the high-resistancefoam insulation for purposes of insulation in the field of refrigeratingappliances. The vacuum insulating panels are typically introduced intothe interstice between the walls of the appliance. In that case,transitions between the individual wall portions of the heat-insulatinghousing of a refrigerating appliance may also be filled withhigh-resistance plastic foam. Other insulating walls can be adapted fromthe teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,179 (to Wenning), the disclosure ofwhich is expressly incorporated by reference. Another insulating featuremay be found using Reflectix® insulation (Reflectix, Inc., Markleville,Ind., USA, 46056), which comprises a layered insulation having layers ofaluminum bonded to a layer of polyethylene. It should be appreciatedthat any layered insulation or heat reflector is contemplated.

[0045]FIG. 14 demonstrates various alternate embodiments of theinvention. Shown are side-by-side or stackable arrangements. In any ofthese embodiments, the selection of appliances may vary. For example, anembodiment includes a refrigerator 150 side-by-side to an oven 152.Another embodiment includes the refrigerator 150 stackable with afreezer 154, the stackable unit beside an oven 152. In yet anotherembodiment, the stackable refrigerator 150—freezer 154 may be beside arange 156, the range having a cooktop 158. A burner 160 on the cooktop158 may be the traditional gas, electric, halogen, or other types ofburner 160 known in the art. The cooktop 158 may include at least oneburner 160. Again, the side-by-side arrangement may be so configured tofit in the space associated with the standard size kitchen or cabinetry.In yet another embodiment, while the inventive appliance may fit in thespace provided for the traditional refrigerator in the cabinetry, itshould be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may be fittedinto the space provided for the standard oven, in kitchen islands, inwall mounted spaces, etc.

[0046]FIGS. 15A and 15B show another embodiment of the invention. Inthis embodiment, the door 17 may include shelf(ves) 26 and a door runner162 that may also terminate with a runner stopper 164. In engagement,the door runner 162 interfaces and runs along a main body runnerreceiver 166 (if in the ceiling of the main body) or a receiver 168 (ifin the side of the main body). Accordingly, the runner 162 acts like amale receptacle that inserts into the receiver 166, 168 and accordingly,will run partially or entirely along the ceiling (or side) of the mainbody 40. One nonexclusive purpose of the door runner 162 is to providesupport for the door assembly as it is being pulled out, such that theweight carried by the door assembly is partially or entirely supportableby the runner 162 as it interfaces with the receiver 166, 168. Anotherpurpose of the runner 162 is to help keep the door assembly straight asit is opened and closed. FIG. 15B shows a top cutaway view in which thedoor assembly is shown partially opened such that runner 162 is shownrunning along the receiver 166. The stopper 164 may be optionallypresent to stop the door assembly from being completely removed from themain appliance body 40 in similar fashion as assembly catch 52 of FIG.6. The runner-receiver assembly is useful in those embodiments in whichthe door assembly does not have the wheel 44 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.Thus, for example, in the stackable embodiments, the top appliance mayhave the runner-receiver assembly and the bottom appliance may have thewheel 44. Of course, any embodiment (single appliance, stackable, orside-by-side) may include both the runner-receiver assembly and thewheel 44 assembly; one, but not the other; or neither of them.

[0047]FIG. 16A shows yet another embodiment of the invention. Shown isshelf 26. The shelf 26 may be a plain shelf with no sides. In otherwords, a shelf floor 170 would be relatively flat. FIG. 16B shows ashelf 26 that has a shelf floor 170 and a shelf side 172. The height ofthe shelf side 172 may be designed to retard the movement of items offthe shelf in the case of shelf movement. This may prevent accidentalfalling of items off the shelf 26.

[0048]FIG. 16C shows another embodiment in which the shelf side 172 iscollapsible. In this embodiment, the shelf side 172 can drop down to anyposition (shown by the arrow X). In the embodiment shown, the shelf side172 can drop down parallel with the shelf floor 170 such as to form apartially or entirely planar surface (dropping down to a three o'clockposition). Furthermore, the shelf side 172 can drop down to hang freely,for example, in a six o'clock position. The shelf 26 may be providedwith a pivot point 174. The pivot point 174 may be a spring, ratchet,rod, pin, or any other torque or moment device. The pivot point 174 mayinclude a pivot arm 176 that connects to the shelf side 172. In thisregard, the pivot point 174 can retain the shelf side 172 along anyposition, such as maintain the shelf at the three or six o'clockpositions, or anywhere between. Shelf side designs may be found in U.S.Pat. No. 6,220,684 (to Bent), the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein.

[0049] In another embodiment, the pivot point 174 may also have a returnmechanism, such as a spring to return the shelf side 172 upright (e.g.,to the twelve o'clock position). Accordingly, once the user lets go ofthe shelf side 172, it will spring back to the normal position on itsown. Collapsible shelf sides 172 are useful for the disabled who may notbe able to lift up an item over the side, or for providing a way toslide in unwieldy items and then hold them upright.

[0050] In any embodiment, the invention may comprise a means forperforming a function. It is understood that the means for performingthat function shall be construed to include any structure, act,material, equivalent structure, equivalent act, equivalent material,structural equivalent, act equivalent, or material equivalent.

[0051] In any embodiment, the invention may also comprise a means forattaching the shelf assembly to the door assembly. It is understood thatthe means for attaching includes all well-known means for attaching ashelf assembly to a door assembly and includes, but is not limited to,pins, nails, screws, rods, dowels, hooks, adhesives, plugs, spacers,embedding, friction fitting, integrally forming, dovetails, biscuitconnections, shelf ladders, holes, slots, apertures, etc., or anycombination thereof.

[0052] In any embodiment, the invention may also comprise a means forfacilitating the opening and/or closing of the door assembly. It isunderstood that the means for facilitating the opening and/or closingincludes all well-known means and includes, but is not limited to, pins,rods, dowels, hooks, plugs, spacers, handles, springs, vacuum, gaskets,rollers, wheels, runners, grooves, casters, stands, legs, tracks,channels, guides, slides, collapsible wheels, door locks, wheel locks,etc., or any combination thereof.

[0053] In any embodiment, the invention may also comprise a means forstabilizing the door assembly. It is understood that the means forstabilizing includes all well-known means and includes, but is notlimited to, pins, rods, dowels, hooks, plugs, spacers, handles, springs,vacuum, gaskets, rollers, wheels, runners, grooves, casters, stands,legs, tracks, channels, guides, slides, collapsible wheels, door locks,wheel locks, etc., or any combination thereof. These stabilizers may belocated anywhere as the location is not particularly relevant.Accordingly, they may be found connected to the door, shelf, wheel(s),the main appliance inner compartment, any frame of the appliance, theappliance main body, etc.

[0054] In any embodiment, the invention may also comprise a means forsubstantially sealing the door when the door assembly is in a closedposition. It is understood that the means for facilitating the openingand/or closing includes all well-known means and includes, but is notlimited to, pins, rods, dowels, hooks, plugs, spacers, handles, springs,vacuum, gaskets, rollers, wheels, runners, grooves, casters, stands,legs, tracks, channels, guides, slides, collapsible wheels, door locks,wheel locks, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0055] It is also understood that any means for performing a functioninclude components or structures in gross or on a component-by-componentbasis. That is, it is intended that the means for performing thefunction may be broadly described in expanded models, built up models,overall structures; or on a component by component basis.

[0056] In addition, it is understood that in the multi-applianceembodiments, the appliances may be integrally formed such that adjacentappliances share a common wall even though the overall cabinet orhousing is integrally formed; or the appliances may be single appliancesdisposed adjacent to each other. Accordingly, in the integrally formedmodes, the overall cabinet may be plugged into an electric wall socketeven though it powers two appliances. In those embodiments in which theappliances are not integrally formed together, each appliance may haveits own plug.

[0057] Furthermore, in any embodiment, there may be an icemaker or watersupply. In simple embodiments, the icemaker or water supply may beformed with the appliance or may be a separate unit. In any embodiment,the icemaker or water supply may be located beside, below, or above anyappliance.

[0058] Moreover, in any embodiment, the invention may include at leastone addition to make the invention more useful to the particularconsumer. For example, the addition may be a butter dish, egg tray,vegetable crisper, meat drawer, soda can holder, milk judge holder, orwine holder. The additions may be separate features or may be formedwith the shelving assembly. The additions may be simply placed into theshelves, fitted, or snapped into the shelves.

[0059] While the invention above has been described with referencemostly to home appliances, it is also understood that the invention maybe applied to mobile homes, campers, recreational vehicles, buses,airplanes, boats, trains, rockets/capsules, or any other vehicle, modeof transport, dwelling, or location. Accordingly, as with any embodimentof the invention, some of the above recited vehicles or locations haveallocated space by virtue of a standard design. As mentioned above, aNorth American kitchen may have a standard cabinet design built toaccommodate standard sized appliances. In any embodiment of theinvention, the invention may be sized to fit into a standard sizedopening.

[0060] For example, a standard kitchen has a standard space allocated toa refrigerator.

[0061] Embodiments of the invention may include having two inventiveappliances in a side-by-side configuration such that the twoside-by-side appliances fit into the “footprint” or space of thestandard appliance. In addition, the inventive appliance(s) may beconfigured to fit into a vertical allocated space. As another example, astandard kitchen may have space allocated for an oven and theembodiment(s) of the invention may provide for configuration into thestandard oven space. It is understood that while certain measurements ofa standard kitchen and appliances are in reference to North Americanmeasurements, it is contemplated that the term “standard” varies bycountry, region, building code, ordinance, custom, or business practiceanywhere in the world and in reference to any standardization in anyvehicle.

[0062] It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to alimited number of embodiments that have been provided for illustrationpurposes only. It is intended that the scope of invention is defined bythe appended claims and that modifications to the embodiments above maybe made that do not depart from the scope of the claims. While theinvention has been described in the home appliance industry, it iscontemplated that application is also in the industrial sector too.

I claim:
 1. An appliance having a door assembly, a main body, and aninner compartment, comprising: at least one shelf assembly attached tothe door assembly, wherein the inner compartment is adapted to receivethe at least one shelf assembly.
 2. The appliance of claim 1, whereinthe appliance comprises at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, andoven.
 3. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the door assembly comprises ameans for attaching the at least one shelf assembly to the doorassembly.
 4. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance comprises ameans for facilitating the opening or closing of the door assembly. 5.The appliance of claim 1, wherein the at least one shelf assemblycomprises lighting.
 6. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliancecomprises: (a) at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven; (b)the door assembly comprises a means for attaching the at least one shelfassembly to the door assembly; (c) the appliance comprises a means forfacilitating the opening or closing of the door assembly; and (d)wherein the shelf assembly comprises lighting.
 7. The appliance of claim6, wherein the door assembly comprises a means for stabilizing the doorassembly.
 8. The appliance of claim 6, wherein the appliance comprises ameans for substantially sealing the door assembly to the appliance mainbody when the door assembly is in a closed position.
 9. The appliance ofclaim 1, wherein the appliance is sized to be placed in a non-standardsized area.
 10. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance isinsulated.
 11. The appliance of claim 10, wherein the insulationcomprises at least one of a fibrous material, high resistance foam,vacuum insulating panel, high resistance plastic foam, and Reflectix®(aluminum plus polyethylene).
 12. The appliance of claim 11, wherein theappliance further comprises: (a) at least one of a refrigerator,freezer, and oven; (b) the door assembly comprises a means for attachingthe at least one shelf assembly to the door assembly; (c) the appliancecomprises a means for facilitating the opening or closing of the doorassembly; (d) the shelf assembly comprises lighting; (e) the doorassembly comprises a means for stabilizing the door assembly; (f) theappliance comprises a means for substantially sealing the door assemblyto the appliance main body when the door assembly is in a closedposition; and (g) the appliance is sized to be placed in a non-standardsized area.
 13. An appliance, comprising: (a) an appliance main body,the main body having an inner compartment, the inner compartment havinga runner assembly adapted to receive a door assembly; (b) the doorassembly having at least one shelf assembly attached to a door backsurface;
 14. The appliance of claim 13, wherein the appliance main bodycomprises a spacer configured to space the appliance main body away fromanother object.
 15. The appliance of claim 14, wherein the spacercomprises at least one a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand.16. The appliance of claim 13, wherein the appliance includes a vacuumapparatus to create vacuum in the inner compartment.
 17. The applianceof claim 16, wherein the vacuum is adapted to be activated with theclosing of the door assembly.
 18. The appliance of claim 17, wherein theappliance main body comprises a spacer configured to space the appliancemain body away from another object, and the spacer comprises at leastone a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand.
 19. The applianceof claim 13, wherein the runner assembly comprises at least one of atrack, groove, guide, rod, channel, slide, wheel, ball bearing, roller,and wire.
 20. The appliance of claim 19, wherein the appliance main bodycomprises a spacer configured to space the appliance main body away fromanother object, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg,caster, height adjuster, and stand.
 21. The appliance of claim 20,wherein a vacuum apparatus is adapted to be activated with the closingof the door assembly.
 22. The appliance of claim 13, wherein the shelfassembly includes a vertical attachment component and a horizontalcomponent, the vertical component disconnectably connecting thehorizontal component to the door back surface, and the horizontalcomponent comprising at least one shelf.
 23. The appliance of claim 13,wherein the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, a shelfadjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame,a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.
 24. The applianceof claim 23, wherein the appliance main body comprises a spacerconfigured to space the appliance main body away from another object,and the spacer comprises at least one a wheel, leg, caster, heightadjuster, and stand.
 25. The appliance of claim 24, wherein a vacuumapparatus is adapted to be activated with the closing of the doorassembly.
 26. The appliance of claim 25, wherein the door assemblycomprises a gasket.
 27. A modular appliance system, comprising: (a) afirst appliance and a second appliance; and (b) the first and secondappliance, each having a door assembly, a main body, and an innercompartment, further comprising at least one shelf assembly attached tothe door assembly, wherein the inner compartment is adapted to receivethe at least one shelf assembly.
 28. The modular appliance system ofclaim 27, wherein the first appliance comprises at least one arefrigerator, freezer, and oven; and the second appliance comprises atleast one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven.
 29. The modularappliance system of claim 28, wherein the first and second appliancesare different.
 30. The modular appliance system of claim 28, wherein thefirst and second appliances are positioned side-by-side.
 31. The modularappliance system of claim 28, wherein the first and second appliancesare stackable.
 32. The modular appliance system of claim 28, wherein thefirst and second appliances are disconnectably connected.
 33. Themodular appliance system of claim 28, wherein the door assembly of thefirst and second appliances comprise a means for attaching the at leastone shelf assembly to the door assembly.
 34. The modular appliancesystem of claim 28, wherein the first and second appliances comprise ameans for facilitating opening or closing of the door assembly.
 35. Themodular appliance system of claim 28, wherein the shelf assemblycomprises lighting.
 36. The modular appliance system of claim 27,wherein: (a) the first appliance is a refrigerator, and the secondappliance is selected from the group consisting of a freezer or an oven;(b) the door assembly comprises a means for attaching the at least oneshelf assembly to the door assembly; (c) the first and second appliancescomprise a means for facilitating the opening or closing of the doorassembly; and (d) the shelf assembly comprises lighting.
 37. The modularappliance system of claim 36, wherein the first appliance comprises avacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with the closing of the doorassembly.
 38. The modular appliance system of claim 30, wherein thefirst and second appliances are integrally formed in a side-by-sidearrangement, the first appliance having a shared wall with the secondappliance, and the shared wall being insulated.
 39. The modularappliance system of claim 38, wherein the insulation comprises at leastone of a fibrous material, high resistance foam, vacuum insulatingpanel, plastic foam, and Reflectix® (aluminum plus polyethylene). 40.The modular appliance system of claim 39, wherein the first and secondappliances comprise a spacer configured to space the appliances awayfrom a floor, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg,caster, height adjuster, and stand.
 41. The modular appliance system ofclaim 39, wherein the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf,a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelfframe, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.
 42. Themodular appliance system of claim 39, wherein the size of the side byside configuration of the first and second appliance is sized to fitinto a standard sized area.
 43. The modular appliance system of claim42, wherein the first appliance is a refrigerator and the secondappliance is an oven.
 44. The modular appliance system of claim 42,wherein the first appliance is a refrigerator and the second applianceis a freezer.
 45. The modular appliance system of claim 42, wherein thefirst appliance is a freezer and the second appliance is an oven. 46.The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein the first appliance isa refrigerator and the second appliance is a freezer.
 47. The modularappliance system of claim 31, wherein the first appliance is arefrigerator and the second appliance is an oven.
 48. The modularappliance system of claim 31, wherein the first appliance is a freezerand the second appliance is an oven.
 49. The modular appliance system ofclaim 31, wherein the door assembly of the first and second appliancescomprise a means for attaching the at least one shelf assembly to thedoor assembly.
 50. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein thefirst and second appliances comprise a means for facilitating opening orclosing of the door assembly.
 51. The modular appliance system of claim31, wherein the shelf assembly comprises lighting.
 52. The modularappliance system of claim 31, wherein the first appliance comprises avacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with the closing of the doorassembly.
 53. The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein theappliances are integrally formed in a stackable arrangement, the firstappliance having a shared ceiling with the bottom floor of the secondappliance, and the shared ceiling/floor being insulated.
 54. The modularappliance system of claim 53, wherein the insulation comprises at leastone of a fibrous material, high resistance foam, vacuum insulatingpanel, plastic foam, and Reflectix® (aluminum plus polyethylene). 55.The modular appliance system of claim 31, wherein at least one of thefirst appliance and second appliance comprises a spacer configured tospace the at least one first appliance and second appliance away from afloor, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg, caster,height adjuster, and stand.
 56. The modular appliance system of claim31, wherein the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, ashelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelfframe, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.
 57. Themodular appliance system of claim 31, wherein: (a) the door assembly ofthe first and second appliances comprise a means for attaching the atleast one shelf assembly to the door assembly; (b) the first and secondappliances comprise a means for facilitating opening or closing of thedoor assembly; (c) the first appliance comprises a vacuum apparatusadapted to be activated with the closing of the door assembly; (d) thefirst and second appliances are integrally formed in a stackablearrangement, the first appliance having a shared ceiling with the bottomfloor of the second appliance, and the shared ceiling/floor beinginsulated, wherein the insulation comprises at least one of a fibrousmaterial, high resistance foam, vacuum insulating panel, plastic foam,and Reflectix® (aluminum plus polyethylene); (e) at least one of thefirst appliance and second appliance comprises a spacer configured tospace the at least first and second appliance away from a floor, and thespacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster,and stand; and (f) the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf,a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelfframe, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.
 58. Amodular appliance system, comprising: (a) a first appliance, a secondappliance, and a third appliance; (b) the first, second, and thirdappliances each-having a door assembly, a main body, and an innercompartment, further comprising at least one shelf assembly attached tothe door assembly, wherein the inner compartment is adapted to receivethe at least one shelf assembly.
 59. The modular appliance system ofclaim 58, wherein the first appliance comprises at least one arefrigerator, freezer, and oven; the second appliance comprises at leastone of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven; and the third appliancecomprises at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven.
 60. Themodular appliance system of claim 59, wherein the first, second, andthird appliances are different.
 61. The modular appliance system ofclaim 59, wherein the first and second appliances are positionedside-by-side; and the first and third appliances are stackable.
 62. Themodular appliance system of claim 61, wherein the first, second, andthird appliances are integrally formed.
 63. The modular appliance systemof claim 61, wherein the first, second, and third appliances aredisconnectably connected.
 64. The modular appliance system of claim 61,wherein at least one of the first, second, and third appliancescomprises a vacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with the closing ofthe door assembly.
 65. The modular appliance system of claim 61, whereineach appliance is insulated.
 66. The modular appliance system of claim65, wherein the insulation comprises at least one of a fibrous material,high resistance foam, vacuum insulating panel, plastic foam, andReflectix® (aluminum plus polyethylene).
 67. The modular appliancesystem of claim 65, wherein the size of the side by side configurationof the first and second appliances is sized to fit into a standard sizedarea.
 68. The modular appliance system of claim 65, wherein the size ofthe stackable configuration of the first and third appliances is sizedto fit into a standard sized area.
 69. The modular appliance system ofclaim 65, wherein the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf,a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelfframe, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.
 70. Themodular appliance system of claim 65, wherein at least one of the first,second, and third appliances comprises a spacer configured to space theat least one appliance away from a floor, and the spacer comprises atleast one of a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand.
 71. Themodular appliance system of claim 70, wherein the shelf assemblycomprises at least one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelfwheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsibleshelf side, and lighting.
 70. The modular appliance system of claim 59,wherein: (a) at least one of the first, second, and third appliancescomprises a spacer configured to space the at least one appliance awayfrom a floor, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg,caster, height adjuster, and stand; (b) the shelf assembly comprises atleast one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, ashelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side,and lighting; and (c) at least one of the first, second, and thirdappliances comprises a vacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with theclosing of the door assembly.
 71. The modular appliance system of claim61, wherein: (a) at least one of the first, second, and third appliancescomprises a spacer configured to space the at least one appliance awayfrom a floor, and the spacer comprises at least one of a wheel, leg,caster, height adjuster, and stand; (b) the shelf assembly comprises atleast one of a shelf, a shelf adjustment mechanism, a shelf wheel, ashelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelf side, a collapsible shelf side,and lighting; and (c) at least one of the first, second, and thirdappliances comprises a vacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with theclosing of the door assembly.
 72. The modular appliance system of claim71, wherein the first appliance is a refrigerator, the second applianceis a freezer, and the third appliance is an oven.
 73. The modularappliance system of claim 71, wherein the first appliance is arefrigerator, the second appliance is an oven, and the third applianceis a freezer.
 74. The modular appliance system of claim 58, wherein atleast one of the first, second, and third appliances comprises a stove.75. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the appliance comprises a stove.76. The appliance of claim 13, wherein the appliance comprises a stove.77. The modular appliance system of claim 27, wherein at least one ofthe first and second appliances comprises a stove.
 78. A modularappliance system, comprising: (a) a first appliance, a second appliance,a third appliance, and a stove; (b) the first, second, and thirdappliances each having a door assembly, a main body, and an innercompartment, further comprising at least one shelf assembly attached tothe door assembly, wherein the inner compartment is adapted to receivethe at least one shelf assembly.
 79. The modular appliance system ofclaim 78, wherein the first appliance comprises at least one arefrigerator, freezer, and oven; the second appliance comprises at leastone of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven; and the third appliancecomprises at least one of a refrigerator, freezer, and oven; and thefirst, second, and third appliances are different.
 80. The modularappliance system of claim 79, wherein: (a) at least one of the first,second, and third appliances comprises a spacer configured to space theat least one appliance away from a floor, and the spacer comprises atleast one of a wheel, leg, caster, height adjuster, and stand; and (b)the shelf assembly comprises at least one of a shelf, a shelf adjustmentmechanism, a shelf wheel, a shelf attachment, a shelf frame, a shelfside, a collapsible shelf side, and lighting.
 81. The modular appliancesystem of claim 80, wherein at least one of the first, second, and thirdappliances comprises a vacuum apparatus adapted to be activated with theclosing of the door assembly.